Signal and locking means for printing apparatus



July 29, 1941. w. B. PAYNE- SIGNAL AND LOCKING MEANS FOR PRINTINGAPPARATUS s sheets-sheet 1 Filed July 25, 1938 INVENTOR y 29, 1941- v w.B. PAYNE 2,251,162

SIGNAL AND LOCKING MEANS FOR PRINTING APPARATUS Filed *July 23, 1958 5Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR 3 B Pay/2e 4:5 ATTORNEY W. B. PAYNE Jul 29,1941.

SIGNAL AND LOCKING MEANS FOR PRINTING APPARATUS Filed July 23, 1938 3Sheets-Sheet,3

INVENT OR.

M B Pay/26 BY fills ATTORNEY.

Patented July 29, 1941 SIGNAL LOCKING MEANS FOR PRINTING APPARATUSWalter B. Payne,'Rochester, N. Y., assignor to The Todd Company, Inc.,Rochester, N. Y., a, corporation of New York Application July 23, 1938,Serial No. 222,960

7 Claims.

The present invention relates to an improvement in a signal and lockingmeans for a printing apparatus which is controlled by a ribbon transfermember so as to indicate to an operator when the supply of ribbon isexhausted from the supply means as Well as totemporarily lock theoperating mechanism against further actuation, that is, until the ribbonis replaced or partially replenished on the supply spool, either by arewinding operation or insertion of a new supply spool. This inventionis adapted for a variety of machines but is particularly adapted formachines being commonly known in the art as check writing or signingmachines which are somewhat dependent upon the quality of the inkingmedium to produce a protective im pression.

' An object of the invention is the provision of a generally improvedand more satisfactory ribbon controlled signal and locking means formachines of the above nature which may be constructed economically,which is sensitive as well as flexible and of simple design and notlikely to get out of order.

Another object is the provision, particularly for a check Writing orsigning machine, of a ribbon controlled signal and-locking means whichwill assure proper inking in this class of machine which dependssomewhat upon the quality of the inking medium for producing aprotective impression.

A still further object is the provision of a signal and locking means sodesigned that the ribbon may be rewound from the winding spool to thesupplyspool without manipulation of the signal and locking means andwithout possibility of strain or injury to any of the other operatingparts. 7 V V i A further object is the provision of a ribbon controlledsignal and locking means so designed that evenin the event the ribbon isexhausted from the supply spool and the machine locked, the operatingmechanism may be temporarily released and, actuated to produceadditional imprints if desired. a

A further object is the provision of a sensitive control mechanism fornormally rendering ineffective a locking means to prevent actuation ofthe operating means and a signal for indicating that the supply ofribbon is exhausted from the supply spool, but adapted to be renderedeffective immediately upon the exhaustion of the ribbon transfer memberfrom the supply spool.

A still further object is the provision of a ribbon controlled signaland locking means improved 7;;

in many difierent details and respects as will be apparent from thefollowing description.

To these and other ends the invention resides in certain improvementsand combinations of parts all as will be hereinafter more fullydescribed, the novelfeatures being pointed out in the claims at the endof the specification.

In the drawings: I

Fig. 1 is a vertical section of a printing device in which one form ofmy invention is embodied.

Fig.2 is a fragmentary side elevation-of the machine shown in Fig. 1with the casing partially broken away, showing my invention in normalposition.

Fig. 3 is a similar view with the side plate of the machine broken awayto show the ribbon supply spool, and in this view the parts are shown inthe actuated position assumed when the ribbon is exhausted from thesupply spool.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary side elevation of a modified form of machinewith certain parts omitted, showing certain of the parts forming myinvention in their normal position by the full lines and in dotted linesfor the operative position.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view of the electrical switch mechanism embodiedin the modified machine shown in Fig. 4, illustrating particularly thedetails of the switch closing mechanism in normal position by full linesand in dotted lines for the operative position.

The same reference numerals throughout the several views indicate thesame parts.

Prior attempts have been made to provide printing devices with lockingmeans under the control of the ribbon transfer member, such, for

example, as the mechanism shown and described in my Patent No.2,092,852, granted September 14, 1937. The arrangement shown in myprior,

patent was of such a nature that as the ribbon was unwoundfrom thesupply spool-theoperating parts were gradually moved to a position torender the locking means for the operating mechanism effective. As thesupply of ribbon began to become exhausted from the supply spool thelocking means was gradually actuated to locking position until iteventually actuallyv prevented further operation of the operatingmechanism of the printing machine. However, in view of the necessity andpractice of advancing the ribbon only enough to partially present-afresh portion of ribbon at the printing line of -a machine, the lockingmeans was rendered efiiective gradually by small degrees, therebypermitting the machine to lock prematurely or not providing for lockingat the proper interval to impart the normal operation of the machine.

Furthermore, in my prior machine, when the operating mechanism wasprevented from operation because of the ribbon being exhausted from thesupply means, there was no signal or means provided to definitelyindicate to the operator the condition of the machine, that is, theoperator was not warned that the inoperativeness was because of thecondition of the ribbon and not other mechanical trouble in connectionwith the operating mechanism.

With the above conditions in mind, I have created an improved mechanismover that shown in my prior patent. My improved mechanism is especiallyadapted for printing apparatus of the character provided with textile,paper or similar other ribbon transfer members, such as, ink ribbon,carbon paper or the like, so as to produce an impression on a sheet orweb of paper positioned between the members of the printing couple. Thepresent invention may be embodied in a wide variety of printing machinesof the above mentioned character and is not restricted or limited to anyparticular form of machine having a ribbon transfer means as an inkingmedium.

The illustrative embodiment of the invention disclosed in Figs. 1 to 3inclusive, is in the nature of an improvement on the printing apparatusshown in my application Serial No. 202,261, filed April 15, 1938. In thedrawings of the present machine certain parts of the operating andcontrol mechanisms and other parts have been omitted, the same beingfully shown and described in said pending application.

Furthermore, the modified form of my present invention is here disclosedin Fig. 4, for sake of example, in connection with an improvement in amotor driven checkwriter and the like, shown in my application SerialNo. 215,964, filed June 27, 1938. In the drawings of the machine of thepresent disclosure of the modified form of my invention, certain partsof the operating and control mechanism and other parts have beenomitted, the same being fully shown and described in my applicationSerial No. 215,964. The illustrative embodiment of my improvement in themotor drive mechanism shown in my application Serial No. 215,964, aswell as the present showing in Fig. 4 is generally in connection withthe check writing machine of the type shown in my Patent No. 2,092,852,dated September 14, 1937.

Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings, there is illustrated a machinecomprising a casing consisting of an upper section II and a base section12 having a bed surface l3 upon which a sheet is adapted to bepositioned in the machine when an impression is to be applied thereto.In the upper section I I there is provided a stationary shaft 43 uponwhich is supported an oscillatory plate carrier 42. The ends of theshaft 43 are supported by the side frame of the machine, one of which isshown in Fig. 1 by the reference numeral am. The carrier 42 is groovedfor the reception of the die or printing plate 4!. The carrier 42 isadapted to be rocked on the shaft 43 by the members 69 and 65operatively connected to a suitable selecting means, not shown.

The platen member H adjustably supported by the arm 14 mounted on thecross rod 15 is adapted to be moved into cooperative engagement with theprinting die 4|. The platen arm 14 is normally engaged by a roller 18carried by the rocker arm supported on the cross rod 8| having its endsmounted in the base plates 39, one of which is shown in Fig. 1 asarranged substantially in the plane of the side plate 21a. The rockerarm 80 is actuated through its operative connection with the main shaft86 to which is attached the operating handle 88. The operatingconnection for the rocker arm 80 comprises a slotted link 84 having itsupper end pivoted at 81 to an arm 252 pinned to the main shaft 85. Thelower end of the link 84 is provided with the elongated slot 83 whichembraces the cross rod 82 carried by the end of the rocker arm 80.Because of the slot 83, the rod 82 and the rocker arm 30 carrying sameis not actuated upon the first part of the movement of the main shaft 86but near the latter part of the clockwise movement of the arm 282 theupper end of the slot 83 comes in contact with the rod 82 and begins toforce the rod downward. As the rod 82 moves downward the rocker arm 80moves the platen arm 14 about its pivot 15 to move the platen ll intocooperative engagement with the printing plate 4 I.

A transfer member, such as a ribbon, is disposed between the members ofthe printin couple, as generally indicated by the numeral 89. Means isprovided to advance the transfer member 89 from the supply spool 90,provided in the front of the machine, to the winding spool 9| located atthe rear of the machine, upon each actuation of the main shaft 86.

The ribbon advancing means shown in the present embodiment issubstantially of the character shown and described in my Patent No.2,092,852, dated September 14, 1937, covering a printing apparatus inthe form of a check writer. This mechanism generally consists of astructure which comprises an actuating cam 340 rigid with the arm 252pinned to the main shaft 86. The cam 34!] is shaped, as shown in Fig. 1of the drawings, having a surface 341 for engagement with a followerroller 342 carried by a lever 343 pivotally supported on the cross rod125. The lever 343 carries a stud 49l which has a laterally extendingeccentric portion in engagement with the bifurcated end of an actuator490 supported by a ribbon spool stud, not shown, but carried by the rearribbon supporting bracket 48!), removably mounted adjacent the sideplate 2la.

The actuator 45!) has pivoted thereto at 486, a winding pawl 485 whichis normally retained in engagement with the teeth 483 of the ratchetcarried at one end of the winding spool 9|. The spring 488 having oneend carried by the projecting portion 490a of the actuator 490 and theother end carried by the winding pawl 485 normally tends to keep thepawl in engagement with the ratchet teeth 483.

It will now be seen that when the operating shaft 86 is moved in aclockwise direction, Fig. 1, the cam 340 will rock the lever 343 to movethe actuator 49!] to advance the ribbon a predetermined distance in thefirst part of the cycle of operation of the machine. On the returnstroke of the machine, the winding pawl 485 will merely pass over theteeth 483 of the ratchet. The holding dog 495 pivoted at 496 to thebracket 4B9, normally engages the ratchet teeth 483 to preventdisplacement or reverse rotation thereof and the winding spool 9|.

Means is provided for latching the holding dog 495 out of engagementwith the ratchet teeth 483 and also to displace the winding pawl 485from engagement with the teeth 483 when it is desired to manually rewindthe ribbon from the winding spool 9I back to the supply spool 90 by acrank or other suitable means, not shown. The means for disabling thewinding pawl and the holding dog comprises a lever 500 pivoted at 56I tothe bracket 480. The lever 500 is provided with a recess 502 in thelower end thereof which is adapted to be engaged by a stud 503 extendinglaterally from the holding dog 495. The holding dog 495 is provided witha projection 505 extending through a slot in the casing II of themachine, not shown. The holding dog 495 is also provided with aprojecting portion 506 which is adapted to be moved to engage alaterally projecting ear 591 on the winding pawl 485.

By manually depressing the projection 505 downward, the holding pawl 495is rocked counter-clockwise about its pivot 496 against the tension of aspring 491. It will be seen that the movement of the holding pawl 495will bring the stud 563 into engagement with the recess 502 of the lever500 so as to latch the holding pawl out of engagement with the ratchetteeth 483. The movement of the holding pawl 495 will cause itsprojecting portion 506 to engage the ear 501 of the winding pawl 485 towithdraw it from engagement with the teeth 483 of the ratchet. It willnow be seen that the ratchet 483 and the winding spool 9I are free andpermitted to move in a reverse rotation so that the ribbon may berewound to the supply spool 90 by any suitable means. The lever 560 maybe tripped manually or by the operating mechanism so as to release theholding pawl 495 and the winding pawl 465 to their respective operativepositions.

The supply spool 90 is readily removable so that a new supply of ribbonmay be easily placed in the machine. The supply spool is retained inposition by brackets 32 positioned adjacent the side plates of the uppercasing of the machine. The latch 466, controlled by the lever 465,normally retains the spool 90 in proper position in the slots formed inthe supporting plates 32. The front portion of the casing I I normallyholds the lever 465 in a position to permit the latch 460 to retain theribbon supply spool 90 in the end of the slots of the supporting plates32.

Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings, it will be seen that the plate 30!is positioned on the main shaft 66 adjacent the side plate 2Ia. Theplate 30! is rigid with the cam 340 and the arm 252 fast to the shaft 86and moves therewith upon each operation of the shaft. The plate 30I isprovided with a laterally projecting pin I61 which engages with aportion I66 of the latch I64 pivoted on the stud I65 when the parts arein the normal position shown in Fig. 1. The spring I tends to rock thelatch I64 counter-clockwise but this movement is normally prohibited bythe stud I61 when the parts are in normal position. However, in normalposition, as the plate 30I moves clockwise in the initial operation ofthe machine, the stud I61 moves away from the portion I66 of the latchI64 thereby permitting the latch I64 to be rocked by the spring I10until the ear I 64a engages a stud I64b' on the side plate 2Ia.

A pin I50 projecting through the elongated angular slot I53 of the sideplate 2| a is adapted to be moved in the path of the hook shaped portionI69 of the latch I64 in a manner to be hereinafter described. It will beseen from Figs. 1 and 3 that when the stud I50 is moved over the top ofthe portion I69 of the latch I64, the latch is prevented from rockingabout its pivot I65.

Therefore, when the plate 30I is rotated a short distance, the portionI68 thereof will come into engagement with the hook shaped portion I69and further movement thereof and of the operating shaft 86 will beprevented.

Except for changes or modifications hereinafter mentioned theconstruction of the printing apparatus generally described by way of anexample in the present specification is substantially the same asdisclosed and described in my application Serial No. 202,261.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the control means for the signal and lockingmechanism forming the present invention includes the arms I44 and I51.The arm I44 is rigid with the bushing I 440. loosely pivoted on the studI45 supported on the side plate 2| a. The arm I51 is pivotally supportedadjacent the arm I44 by a reduced portion of the bushing I44a. The armI51 is resiliently connected by a spring I58 to a second arm I44. Thespring I58 carried at one end by the stud I59 on the arm I51 and at theother end'by a stud I60 on the arm I44, normally retains the stud I60 inengagement with the arm I51 so that the arms move together as a unit.The arm I44 has a projecting portion to which is attached a spring I6Ihaving its opposite end carried by the stud I6Ia on the side plate 21a.Through the resilient connection of the arm I44 with the arm I51, thespring I6I normally tends to retain the arm I51 in contact with theoutermost convolute of the ribbon transfer medium 89 on the supply spool90. As the supply of ribbon reduces from the spool 90, the arm I51 willrotate in a counter-clockwise direction about its pivot I45, as viewedin Fig. 1, under the tension of the spring I6I, thereby permittingmovement of the arm I44.

Pivoted at I39 on the outside face of the side plate 2Ia, Figs. 1 and 2,is a control member I40 having an arcuate portion I4Ia and the angularportion I4I. Normally the portion I 4Ia of the control member I40 restson a pin I42 projecting laterally from the arm I44, through the slot I43of the side plate H a. The arcuate portion I 4Ia of the control member I40 is preferably formed to comprize an arc swung from the pivot pointI45, as the parts are in normal position shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Theangular portion I4I of the control member I40 is so formed to comparesubstantially to an arc swung from the pivot point I39. It will now beseen from the arrangement of parts that as the ribbon reduces on thesupply spool 90, the arm I51 will be moved about its pivot by the springI6I carrying with it the arm I44. As the arm I44 is moved in a lockwisedirection, Fig. 2, the arcuate portion I4Ia of the control member I40will ride on the stud I42 while the ribbon is unwound from the supplyspool.

A three-arm lever I34 is pivoted at I35 intermediate its ends to theside plate 2 la, best shown in Fig. 2. The bifurcated arm I36 of thelever I34 engages a stud I31 carried by the control member I40. Theintermediate arm I 46 of the lever I34 has pivoted thereto atI49 thelink I48 which carries the previously mentioned stud I50. This stud I50projects laterally through the opening I53 of the side plate 2Ia and isadapted to be moved in the path of the latch I64. A spring I54 havingone end carried by the link I48 tends at all times to move the link tothe right and the arm I34 clockwise. The action of the spring I54 on thethree-arm lever I34, through the stud I31, normally exerts tension onthe control plate I49 to retain the plate in engagement with the studI42 carried by the arm I44.

A signal or bar member I29, normally disposed within the casing I I, iscarried by a link I3I pivoted at I32 to the third arm I53 of the leverI34. The signal I29 may be of any suitable nature but preferably ofrectangular cross section so as to provide a bar-like member for thepurpose hereinafter set forth. The member I29 may be conspicuouslycolored and/or provided with suitable wording such as rewind, etc.

The core I62 of the ribbon supply spool 99 is provided with an opening99a for the reception of a ribbon clip 99b of any suitable character toremovably attach the end of the ribbon to the ribbon supply spool coreI62. The core IE2 is also provided with an opening I93 in alignment withthe plane of the ribbon engaging arm I51. It will be understood that atany time when one or more thicknesses of the ribbon are wound on thecore I92 of the supply spool 99, the arm I51 will be in engagement withthe outermost convolute of the ribbon and prevented from entering theslot I53 formed in the core I62 of the spool, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.However, as the supply of ribbon is depleted from the core I62 of thespool 99, the arm Il will engage or fall into the slot I83, as shown inFig. 3.

It will now be seen that when the arm I51 engages the slot I83 of thecore I62, its movement will be conveyed to the arm I44 causing the pinI42 to pass beyond the arcuate surface I4Ia of the control member I49.As the arm I5! drops into the slot I93, a rapid movement is conveyed tothe pin I42 so that it passes beyond the surface I4Ia to release thecontrol member I49. The control member I49 when released is rocked fromthe position shown in Fig. 2 to that shown in Fig. 3 under the influenceof the spring I54. The portion I4I of the control member I49 readilypermits the control member I49 to rotate in a counter-clockwisedirection when the pin I42 passes beyond the arcuate surface I4Ia. Whenthe control member I49 drops to the position shown in Fig. 3, therocking movement of the three-arm lever I34 through the stud I31, willmove the link I48 to cause the pin I59 to move in the slot I53 to bedisposed above the latch I94 for the purpose already described. It willalso be seen that the rocking movement of the lever I34 will also movethe link I3I upward and raise the signal or bar I29 so that it projectsbeyond the casing I I. The bar I29 in its raised position will clearlyindicate to the operator that the ribbon supply has been exhausted fromthe supply spool and that the operating mechanism is locked againstfurther operation.

It will now be obvious that with the resilient connection comprising thespring I58 between the arm I5! and the arm I44, when the ribbon 89 isrewound by any suitable means upon the core I62 of the supply spool 99,the arm I51 may readily yield against the tension of the spring I58without returning the rest of the parts of my im proved control means tonormal position. This flexible connection provides for rewinding theribbon without danger of damaging the operating mechanism. In this modeof operation, the arm I44 will be prevented from movement with the armI51 because of the engagement of the stud I42 with the control memberI49 in its released position. It will be seen that even after the ribbon89 has been entirely or partially rewound on the supply spool 99 thesignal or key I29 must be depressed before the control means can berestored to permit actuation of the operating mechanism.

The depression of the member I29 rocks the three-arm lever I34 to movethe link I48 so as to withdraw the stud I59 from the above latch I64.The latter movement of the lever I34 by depression of the member I29also rocks the control member I49 in a clockwise direction so that thestud I42 will again engage the arcuate surface I4Ia of the controlmember. Once the stud I42 is again in engagement with the arcuatesurface I4Ia it will retain the control member I49 in the normal raisedposition. The tension of the spring I58 causes the arm I44, carrying thestud I42, to move with respect to the arm I51 until the stud I69 againcontacts the arm I51. Inasmuch as the control member I49 is retained inits latched normal position by the stud I42, the sig nal I29 will beretained within the casing II and the stud I59 from engagement with thelatch I94, thereby again providing for normal operation of the machine.

In the routine operation of certain printing devices, such as checkwriters or signing machines, it is highly desirable for an operator tobe able to temporarily release the operating mechanism of a machine eventhough the ribbon controlled signal and locking means has been renderedeffective. This provision is especially helpful in payroll, dividend, orgeneral disbursement work as it very often happens that the controlmeans will actuate at a time when only one or more checks of a group areto be imprinted. To require an operator at such times to rewind theribbon before an imprint can be made would unnecessarily delay a payrollor other business transaction. Therefore, my flexible arrangementprovides for the operator temporarily releasing the machine foroperation without rewinding the ribbon to reset the control means tonormal position.

In the event the operator desires to imprint one or more checks afterthe signal I29 has been rendered visible and the pin I59 is effective toprevent actuation of the operating mechanism, the machine may betemporarily released by depression of the signal or bar I29. The manualdepression of the bar I29 rocks the three-arm lever I34 in acounter-clockwise direction from substantially the position shown inFig. 3 to that shown in Fig. 2. The counter-clockwise movement of thelever I34 moves the link I48 to withdraw the pin I59- from the path ofthe latch I64, thereby permitting the shaft 86 to be rocked to effectactuation of the operating means of the printing machine. While therocking movement of the lever I 34 will raise the control member I49,the spring I6I will retain the arm I51 in the slot I63 of the core I92and the spring I58 will retain the stud I69 on the arm I44 in engagementwith the arm I51. Therefore, it will be seen that as soon as the signalI29 is released, the spring I54 will again rock the parts so that thepin I59 will be replaced in the path of the latch I64 and the signal I29projected above the casing II. The release of the signal I29 as abovedescribed will also permit the control plate I49 to again drop to theposition shown in Fig. 3, inasmuch as the pin I42 has not been moved inthe path thereof by rewinding the ribbon to move the arm I51 from theslot I63.

With the arrangement described above, it is a comparatively simple andeasy operation to rewind the ribbon upon the supply spool andrecondition the machine for normal operation. My improvement not onlyprovides for locking the operating mechanism when the ribbon supply hasbeen exhausted but further provides that a signal be given to theoperator that the operating mechanism is inoperative or that theinoperativeness of the machine is the result of the ribbon supplybecoming exhausted. It is also apparent that the ribbon may be rewoundwithout conditioning the machine for operation until the rewindingoperation is complete, or that one or more imprints may be made by themachine even though the ribbon supply is not immediately replenished.

The modification shown in Fig. 4 embodies improvements applicable tomachines, such as shown and described in my previously mentionedapplication Serial No. 215,964, providing motor driven means foreffecting actuation of the operating mechanism. The present disclosureof this modification omits various parts of the prior machine anddiscloses only such parts as are deemed sulfi'cient to properlyillustrate the modified form of the present invention. The improvements,as in the previously described form of the invention, relate to the ideaof providing a ribbon controlled mechanism to signal to an operator thatthe ribbon supply has been exhausted and to lock the operating mechanismwhen the ribbon supply is exhausted. However, in the modification shownin Fig. 4, the control means is eifective to signal to the operator thatthe ribbon supply has been'exhausted and to lock the actuating meansadapted to effect a connection between the power means and the operatingmeans, such as, a trip mechanism for operating a switch mechanism andefiecting operative engagement of a clutch mechanism to connect thepower means with the operating means.

The machine generally shown in this modification, by way of an example,is similar to the check writing machine described in my Patent No.2,092,856, but provided with a motor driven mechanism for operating themain shaft thereof. The machine shown in Fig. 4 embodies a printingcouple comprising type members 200 adapted to be selectively positionedat the printing line of the machine and a platen 20! adapted .to bemoved into cooperative engagement with the type 200 in making animpression. The motor 202 is supported by brackets 203 carried on theframes 204 rigid with the side plates 205 provided on each side of themachine. The motor 202 is adapted to drive the clutch shaft 201 bysuitable gear or mechanism, .not shown, for rotating the clutch ratchet200 fixed to the clutch shaft 201. The clutch disc 208 loose on theshaft 201 carries a clutch dog 209 adapted to engage. the teeth of theratchet 200 to efiect driving connection between the motordriven clutchshaft 201 and the clutch disc 208. Suitable operative connections, notshown, are provided with the clutch disc 208 to actuate the type settingmeans. and the platen 20l so as to selectively imprint numerals andother data at the printing line of the machine. The clutch dog 209 isnormally held from engagement with the clutch ratchet 206 by the latch2|! fixed on the rock shaft H2. The clutch dog 209 is controlled by thearm 2l0 pivoted to the clutch disc 208 and operatively connected to thedog 209. The latch 21 I normally engages an ofiset positionof the am.210 to hold the clutch dog 209 from engagement with theteeth of theclutch ratchet .206. Rigid on the rock shaft 212 there is provided anarm 2! 3 having a pin 214 which projects through an opening 2I5 in theframe 204. The end of the pin 2l4lays in the path of a link 2I6supported at one end by a stud 2|! carried by the frame 204. The otherend of the link 2|6, provided with the elongated slot 2 I 8, issupported by a stud 2l9 on the bell crank lever .220 pivoted at 22! tothe side plate 205. The loose end of thelink 2l6 is retained on the stud211 by a spring 222 having one end carried by the link 2&6 and the otherend by a stud 223 on the frame 204. A trip bar 224 is supported by thebell crank levers 220 and 221 connected together by the link 228 so asto provide a parallel motion to the bar when depressed. A spring 229tends to retain the trip bar in the position shown in Fig. 4, that is,with the trip bar 224 in a raised position and the end of the link 2l6disposed away from the stud M4 on the arm 2l3.

A switch control mechanism, shown in a frag-v mentary manner by Fig. 5is supported between the side frames 204. The structural details of thismechanism do not form a part of the present invention and will only begenerally described so that their part in the present combination may beunderstood. The details of this mechanism are fully disclosed anddescribed in my pending application Serial No. 215,964.,

The switch 230 of the conventional plunger type, is provided in theelectric circuit so that the motor 202 may be energized through apredetermined interval in the cycle of operation of the machine. Asecond latch arm 23| is fixed on the rock shaft 2l2 and normally retainsthe actuating finger 232 for the switch 230 inefiective. The switch 230,controlled by the plunger 238 which, when pressed in, closes the circuitand starts the motor, and when pressure is released, an associatedspring thrusts the plunger outwardly again to open the switch. For thepurpose of this disclosure, it may be generally stated that finger 232is pivoted to an arm 233 supported loosely on the rod 234. A dog 235 isalso supported, adjacent the arm 233, by the rod 234. A spring (notshown) retains a stud 231 carried by the arm 233, in engagement with aportion of the dog 235 so that the parts are yieldingly but operativelyconnected together. A spring 230 tends at all times to rock the arm 233and the dog 235 clockwise about the rod 234 so as to cause the finger232 to actuate the switch plunger 208 to close the circuit. However, thelatch 23| is normally in the full line position shown in Fig. 5 andadapted to retain finger 232 out of engagement with the switch plunger238.

It will now be seen that the depression of the trip bar 224 will rockthe crank arms 22'! and 220 to cause the stud 2|9 in the first part ofits movement to move through the slot 2| 8. The continued depression ofthe trip bar 224 causes the pin 2|9, carried on the lever 220, tocontact the. end of the slot 2l8 and move the link 2|6 to the right fromthe positionshown in Fig. 4. The end of the link 2l6, resting on thestud 2H, will move into engagement with the stud 2l4 on the arm 2l3 torotate the rock shaft 2I2 clockwise. The movement of the rock shaft 212will cause the pawl 2H to disengage from th clutch control arm 2l0 andpermit the clutch dog 209, under spring tension, to engage one of theteeth of the ratchet 206, thereby connecting the power means with theoperating mechanism.

It willalso be seen that as the rock shaft M2 is moved clockwise, theswitch latch 23l will be rocked to the dotted line position, Fig. 5, soasto release the dog 235. The spring 236 effecting movement to thereleased dog 235 and the arm 233 causes the finger 232 to depress theplunger 238 to close the electrical circuit to the motor 292. The motorenergized, results in rotation of the clutch ratchet 206, and with theclutch dog engaged, the operating mechanism is driven through a normalcycle of operation. The cam 239 is effective at a predetermined part ofthe cycle of operation to restore the latch 235, so that it may properlybe retained in normal position.

A locking member 248 pivoted at 2 to the side plate 205, and operativelyconnected to the link [4811, is normally in the full line position shownin Fig. 4, ineffective to prevent actuation of the trip bar 224.However, the member 240 is automatically movedto the dotted lineposition when the ribbon transfer member is exhausted from the supplyspool 90 so as to be effective to prevent actuation of the trip bar 224for closing the switch 230 and releasing the clutch dog 209.

The control means for the locking member 240 as well as for the signalor bar 129a of the present modification is similar to that alreadydescribed in connection with the disclosure in Figs. 1 to 3. The controlmeans includes the arm [51a normally engaging the ribbon 89 on thesupply spool 90 and is adapted to control the movement of the second arm144a carrying the stud 142a. The stud l42a normally retains the controlmember Hilla in the raised position, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4. When thecontrol member MM is retained in this position the locking member 249 isineffective and the signal bar [29a is positioned within the casing ofthe machine. However, when the supply of ribbon is exhausted from thesupply spool 90, the arms [51a and 144a are moved in the same manner aspreviously described in connection with the arms I51 and I44, Figs. 1 to3. As the stud 142a releases the control member 148a, the member MM ismoved to a position similar to that shown in Fig. 3, and the signal barI29a. and locking member 240 are rendered effective. The member 240 isoperatively connected to the control member l lla, through the three-armlever 134a and the link l48a. When the member 240 is moved by thetension of the spring l54a to the dotted line position shown in Fig. 4,the hook portion 242 is positioned in the path of the extending ear 220aof the bell crank lever 220. Therefore, it will be seen that with themember 240 in the latter position, the trip bar 224 will be restrainedfrom depression so as to prevent the closing of the switch 230 orrelease of the clutch dog 209. It will be understood that the signal barl29ct carried by the link l3la is also operatively connected to thelever 134a and the control member 140a.

While certain embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, it is tobe understood that the inventive idea may be carried out in a number ofways. This application is therefore not tobe limited to the precisedetails described, but is intended to cover all variations andmodifications thereof falling within the spirit of the invention or thescope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a printing machine, the combination of a casing, a printingcouple, a ribbon supply spool, ribbon advancing means, operating meansfor said printing couple and said ribbon advancing means, normallyineffective locking means for said operating means, a signal barnormally held inconspicuously within said casing but adapted andarranged to be projected therefrom to indicate when the supply of ribbonis exhausted from said spool and when said locking means is effective toprevent actuation of said operating means, control mechanism for saidlocking means and said signal bar including a pair ofresilientlyconnected arms and a control plate, said locking means andsaid signal bar being operatively connected to said control plate, oneof said arms normally engaging the surface of the ribbon carried by saidspool and the other of said arms normally holding said control plate ina position to retain said locking means in said ineffective position andsaid signal bar within said casing, said arms being arranged and adaptedupon exhaustion of the ribbon from said spool to move so as to swingsaid holding arm out of the path of and to release said control platefor movement to a second position, whereby said locking means is movedto eiiective position and said signal bar is moved from within saidcasing, and spring means for moving said control plate to said secondposition when released by said arms, said resilient connection betweensaid arms being adapted to permit said ribbon engaging arm to moveindependently of said other arm when the ribbon is rewound on said spoolso that said locking means is effective until the ribbon is replenishedon said spool.

2. In a check imprinting machine, the combination of a printing couple,of a ribbon supply spool from which an ink ribbon is advanced betweenthe members of the printing couple, an operating means for said printingcouple and for advancing said ribbon, a normally ineffective lockingmeans for said operating means, releasable means for transmittingmovement to said locking means from inefiective position to effectiveposition, a shiftable arm for holding said transmitting means frommovement, a member engaging the ribbon carried by said spool but adaptedto be shifted when the ribbon is exhausted therefrom, tension means forconstantly moving said member in the direction of said spool, meansconnecting said holding arm and said engaging member whereby saidholding arm is shifted with said engaging member when the ribbon isexhausted from the spool so as to swing free of said transmitting meansto release same for movement to position said locking means in effectiveposition, and means for moving said transmitting means when released bysaid holding arm.

3. In a check imprinting machine, the combination of a printing couple,of a ribbon supply spool from which an ink ribbon is advanced betweenthe members of the printing couple, an operating means for said printingcouple and for advancing said ribbon, normally inefiective latch meansto prevent actuation of said operating means, control mechanismreleasable for cooperation with said latch means to render said latchmeans eflective, a shiftable arm for holding said control mechanism frommovement, a member engaging the ribbon carried by said spool but adaptedto be shifted with relation to the spool when the ribbon is exhaustedtherefrom, means connecting said holding arm and said engaging member,tension means for moving said arm and said member toward said ribbonspool, said arm being adapted to move with said member to a non-holdingposition when said member is shifted upon exhaustion of the ribbon fromsaid spool so as to release said control mechanism for movement intocooperation with said latch means to render same efiective, andselectively operable means connected to said control mechanism formoving same from cooperation with said latch means so that said latchmeans is ineffective, said tension means being effective to retain saidholding arm in said non-holding position until the ribbon is replenishedon said spool.

4. In a checkwriter, the combination of a printing couple, of a ribbonsupply spool from which an ink ribbon is advanced between the members ofthe printing couple, operating means for said printing couple and foradvancing said ribbon, power means including a motor, switch means and aclutch means for eifecting connection of said power means with saidoperating means, a manually depressible trip means for said switch meansand said clutch means, normally ineifective means for latching said tripmeans to prevent actuation thereof, releasable means for transmittingmovement to said latch means from ineffective position to effectiveposition, means for holding said transmitting means from movement, aribbon engaging means resiliently connected to said holding means forshifting said holding means when the ribbon is exhausted from said spoolto release said transmitting means for movement to position said latchmeans in efiective position, and selectively operable means to resetsaid transmitting means to position said latching means in ineffectiveposition.

5. In a check imprinting machine, the combination of a printing couple,of a ribbon supply spool from which an ink ribbon is advanced betweenthe members of the printing couple, an operating means for said printingcouple and for advancing said ribbonjnormally ineffective latch meansfor said operating means, releasable means for transmitting movement tosaid latch means from ineffective position to effective position, ashiftable arm for holding said transmitting means from movement, tensionmeans for moving said transmitting means when released by said holdingarm, a member engaging the ribbon carried by said spool but adapted tobe shifted when the ribbon is exhausted therefrom, spring means formoving said member in the direction of said spool, resilient meansconnecting said holding arm and said ribbon engaging member whereby saidholding arm is shifted with said engaging member when the ribbon isexhausted from said spool so as to release said transmitting means formovement to position the latch means in effective position, saidresilient connection between said arm and said member being adapted topermit said member to move relative to said arm while the ribbon isbeing replenished on said spool so that said latch means may beefiective while the ribbon is being replenished on said spool.

6. The combination in a printing machine, a printingcouple, a supplyspool from which an ink ribbon is advanced between the members of saidprinting couple, operating means for said printing couple and foradvancing said ribbon, normally ineffective means for latching saidoperating means to block movement thereof, releasable means fortransmitting movement to said latch means from inefiective position toeffective position, a shiftable arm arranged to normally hold saidtransmitting means from movement, a ribbon spool engaging meansresiliently connected to said holding arm for moving said arm withrelation to said transmitting means'as the ribbon is unwound from saidspool but adapted to shift said arm when the ribbon is exhausted fromsaid spool so as to release said transmitting means for movement toposition said latching means in eiiective position, and manuallyoperable means connected to said transmitting means for moving same totemporarily reset said latching means to ineffective position so as topermit an actuation of said operating means.

7. The combination of a printing couple, a supply spool from which anink ribbon is advanced between the members of said printing couple,operating means for said printing couple and for advancing the ribbon,normally ineffective means movable for blocking the actuation of saidoperating means, normally restrained means for transmitting movement ofsaid blocking means from ineffective position to effective position,shiftable means for holding said transmitting means from movement,ribbon spool engaging means resiliently connected to said holding meansfor shifting said holding means when the ribbon is exhausted from saidspool so as to release said transmitting means for movement to positionsaid blocking means in effective position, manual operable meansconnected to said transmitting means for temporarily resetting saidblocking means to ineffective position to permit actuation of saidoperating means, and means for shifting said holding means and saidengaging means when the ribbon is exhausted from said spool, saidshifting means being eiiective to retain said holding means in saidshifted position when said transmitting means is temporarily reset bysaid manual means at the time the ribbon is exhausted from said spool.

WALTER B. PAYNE.

